[Infections following osteosynthesis in childhood]

We report 313 cases of osteosynthesis seen between 1977 and 1987 in our hospital. In 50 cases wound infection occurred and in 4 cases osteomyelitis. Important factors in the development of wound infection are soft tissue damage, duration of operation, time from accident to operation, and operation at night. The 4 cases of osteomyelitis occurred in patients who had undergone previous operations. All wound infections healed with local therapy and systemic antibiotics; the cases of osteomyelitis required surgical intervention and systemic antibiotics. No late defects or complications were seen in any case.